Five Lessons You Can Learn From Meds To Treat Anxiety Medications to Treat Anxiety

Therapy is the best method to treat anxiety, but sometimes a short-term course medication may be necessary. Medications to treat anxiety include tranquilizers and antidepressants.

SSRI antidepressants like citalopram, sertraline, and escitalopram are able to reduce anxiety. SNRIs, which target the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine, can also be effective.

SSRIs

SSRIs are the first line of medication doctors prescribe to treat anxiety disorders. pills to treat anxiety stop the brain's nerve cells from absorbing serotonin, an ingredient that plays a key role in mood regulation. It takes time for the medication to begin working however, people typically begin to feel better after 4 to six weeks. SSRIs do not form an addiction and are not addicting, therefore they can continue to be taken for a long duration.

Another type of antidepressant, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), also treats depression and anxiety. SNRIs are citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac) and paraxetine (Paxil) and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and doxepine and Anxiety Disorder stimulant are also used to treat anxiety and depression. Novel antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders.

Doctors don't know exactly how SSRIs and SNRIs function, but they do know that they enhance activity of certain chemical messengers in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They prevent the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals, and permit them to bind with their receptors.

SSRIs are used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, GAD; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD; panic disorder/agoraphobia; and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD. They can also aid in bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, however this is less frequent.

People with anxiety who don't respond to SSRIs may be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic drug. Examples include quetiapine, (Abilify) and aripiprazole, (Risperdal). These medications reduce anxiety in those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorders. They are usually prescribed together with an antidepressant. They also are less likely to cause serious side effects than other types of antipsychotics.

Beta-blockers are also a class of medication that can be used to reduce anxiety and are commonly prescribed for heart conditions. Propranolol as well as atenolol are just two examples. They can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, especially for those with social anxiety disorder. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, specifically during or following surgery. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) can be used to control symptoms when other medication aren't working. The use of benzodiazepines can become habit-forming and addictive.

SNRIs

SNRIs are an antidepressant medication that is typically prescribed to treat anxiety. They work in a similar manner to SSRIs but they also increase the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin. They are therefore more effective in treating certain anxiety disorders like anxiety and social anxiety disorders. panic disorder. Similar to other medications, they work best when they are used in conjunction with talking therapy and other treatment strategies.

In contrast to benzodiazepines, SNRIs do not cause dependence or addiction for most people. However, some patients could experience withdrawal when discontinuing the medication after a long duration of use. It is essential to speak with your doctor before discontinuing any medication.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters responsible for mood and stress responses. They play a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction that a large portion of people suffering from anxiety experience. By preventing the reuptake of, SNRIs block nerve cells from quickly absorbing these neurotransmitters. In this way they hold these chemicals in the brain for longer and as a result, they have the potential to boost mood and decrease anxiety levels or assist in the relief of symptoms of panic attacks.

Norepinephrine also plays a role in anxiety, since it triggers the Amygdala. This is a very deep and primitive brain region that is linked to anxiety-related behavior. SNRIs decrease the activity in this part of the brain. This can improve mood, anxiety and alleviate panic attacks.

These drugs are extremely beneficial however, they may increase suicidal behavior in certain people. This is why they are usually prescribed in higher doses for a brief time. In addition, these medications are able to interact with other medications and other substances. It is important to inform your doctor if are taking any other prescriptions, or over-the prescription medication. Also, keep them informed of any underlying conditions such as heart issues and bleeding disorders. Be aware that some patients report adverse reactions to SNRIs such as nausea and a dry mouth.

Benzodiazepines


Benzodiazepines, or benzos, as they're often called -- are medications that act quickly that reduce anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms like muscle tension and insomnia. Some people with anxiety disorders like social anxiety or panic disorder might find them beneficial, especially if they have not been able to respond to other treatments, such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. They can also be helpful as a short-term solution, like while you are waiting for an antidepressant to begin working. The medications diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are the most popular benzos, but other options include Clonazepam (Rivotril), temazepam (Restoril) and flurazepam (Dalmane).

Because they're fast-acting, they usually begin to work within 30 minutes. These medications don't last long in the body, so you must take them regularly to get the benefits. Utilizing benzos for prolonged periods of time can cause addiction and physical dependence and should be used only for the shortest time possible. Benzos are not recommended for those with anxiety disorders or depression, as they can increase the risk of those problems.

People who use benzos over an extended period without medical supervision, and often without the direction of a doctor, can develop a condition known as sedative use disorders, which can include withdrawal symptoms and addiction. It is not common for those who are prescribed benzos to develop this disorder however. Benzo abuse is typically a result of other factors such as alcohol dependence and depression.

Tolerance to benzodiazepines can also develop when they are used for a long period of time. Tolerance means that you need more medication in order to achieve the same effects. This can sometimes cause respiratory depression, or even death. Even if you are taking benzodiazepines for a prolonged time, it is important to follow the prescription.

Other Medicines

SSRIs and SNRIs are the first medications that doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. They impact serotonin which affects mood, appetite, and sleep. They can take up to 12 weeks to begin working and may have adverse effects, such as nausea or insomnia. SSRIs are also used to treat other mental health disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Antidepressants, unlike benzodiazepines do not cause physical dependence. However, they could cause withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped.

Sertraline (Zoloft), Prozac (Prozac), and Celexa (Citalopram) are the three medications that fall under this class. They can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with therapy. Antidepressants are prescribed by psychologists, psychiatrists or family physicians who have specialized training in the management of medications.

Doctors can also prescribe a class of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. These medications block the action of enzymes that break chemicals down, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. MAOIs may take three or four weeks to begin working but aren't as fast-acting as SSRIs.

Clonidine is another medication that can be used to control anxiety. It is commonly used to treat anxiety however, it can also be used to lower blood pressure. Its effectiveness is limited due to adverse effects like hypotension and sedation. Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may be prescribed by doctors to decrease anxiety and panic attacks. Certain patients might also experience a decrease in the effectiveness of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is typically treated by the combination of medication, psychotherapy and exercise. Engaging with a therapist who is specialized in treating anxiety disorders is the most effective way to manage anxiety. They can help you work through the root causes of your anxiety and suggest strategies to manage it without medication, in the event that it is necessary. Other treatment options for anxiety that aren't medications include eye movement desensitization, reprocessing, mindfulness meditation and yoga based on trauma. Talk to your therapist about how to determine the best options for you. Psychologists are trained to analyze your medical history, symptoms and create an anxiety treatment plan that is suitable for you. They will consider your individual diagnosis, lifestyle, medical history and preferences when developing this plan and make adjustments to it over time.